Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Crime
With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Ratings
Local residents have positive things to say about the proximity of restaurants, grocery stores, parks, public transit, friendliness of neighbors, sense of community and overall safety of the area.
Amenities
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Located in the state of Nebraska, Columbus is a mid-sized city with a population of 23,291 people. If we look at the most recent Census, Columbus is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Columbus offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 12 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re moving to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Columbus could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Nebraska if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. To help you find the best places to live in and around Columbus, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, crime, employment and more.
With a livability score of 78/100, Columbus is ranked #1,737 in the United States and #25 in Nebraska. Compared to the US average, Columbus ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Columbus also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we explore each of the categories individually, we see that Columbus ranks well for crime (A+), cost of living (A+) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Columbus ranks poorly for, including: amenities (D-). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.
Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of Columbus, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 70 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.
The unemployment rate in Columbus has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.15%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Columbus market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Columbus real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Columbus. Median real estate prices in Columbus come in at $155,400, which is 13.2% higher than the Nebraska average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Columbus, the home price to income ratio is 2.7, which is 8% higher than the Nebraska average.
| Statistic | Columbus | Nebraska | National |
| Average one way commute | 12min | 18min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 78.6% | 81.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 13.8% | 9.4% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.2% | 0.7% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.6% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.5% | 2.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.7% | 4.3% | 4.6% |
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